Chaminade-Madonna College Prep., Hollywood, FL, participates in programs for MFEP goals.

Bro. Jack Ventura, S.M., Director of Mission Integration and Ministry Lead for the Marianist Family Encounter Project at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, Hollywood, FL, sends us this update.

In the Marianist Family Encounters Project, Goals 3 & 5 speak about "discovering God in all things, especially in the beauty of Creation, the sighs of the sick and the groans of the afflicted." Goals 3 & 5 also talk about placing the value and dignity of the Human Person at the center of every formal and informal education process, especially opening up to the most Vulnerable and Marginalized. CMCP promoted two programs under Goals 3 & 5 in the first six weeks of school.

CMCP Supports Breast Cancer Research and Treatment

Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory hosted the 14th Annual C-M Cares Girls Volleyball Tournament on Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23. This tournament brings together the CMCP community and other local schools all for a good cause. Proceeds from the tournament are donated to Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

This tournament has been an empowering tradition for the CMCP community and all women participants. Teams enjoy the camaraderie and competition of the tournament while supporting a great cause.

Mr. Luke Kriss, Math Department Faculty and JV Girls Volleyball Head Coach shared that "C-M Cares is not only a great chance to play some competitive volleyball and build community at Chaminade-Madonna but also a chance to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and hopefully make a positive impact on the lives of others. I was grateful to be a part of it in helping the tournament run smoothly. It was encouraging to see all the support and pink on the court and in the stands."

Head Girls Volleyball Coach and Math Department Chair, Mr. Jason Johnson, "would like to thank the administration for allowing this tournament to continue for 14 years in a row. I would also like to thank the parent volunteers who helped us make this a first-class event for the visiting teams and the JV Girls Volleyball team for volunteering their time to keep score and assisting the referees by calling lines. We have been able to host a high level of competition year after year, and I am proud that it is done for a great cause as well. Cancer has unfortunately been a part of the lives of so many in our community. Donating money to the Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at Holy Cross Hospital adds meaning to the event that brings it to the next level."

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CMCP Participates in Start with Hello Week

- Ms. Grisel Crespo, Guidance Counselor, CMCP

We start another year of new beginnings! Another year of starting fresh with new lessons, opportunities, and connections. For some of us, it is a welcomed change. For others, it is a time of worry. This week, some of our students participated in the Start With Hello initiative to bring connection and community within our classrooms and with each other.

Sandy Hook Promise's Start with Hello program raises awareness and educates students about social isolation and how to create a connected and inclusive classroom, school, and community. Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated as if you are invisible, and a growing epidemic within the United States. Furthermore, isolated young people can become victims of bullying, violence, and/or depression. The positive news is that there are cures for disconnection and loneliness if we reach out and help one another.

Each year, thousands of schools nationwide participate in Start With Hello. In collaboration with the Enrollment Management and Guidance Departments, each day this week and through various activities, our students came together and welcomed everyone on campus (students and faculty alike) with a hello, a smile, and an "I'm so glad that you are here." They made sure to break bread with old and new friends. They shared positive words and thanked a trusted adult who made a difference in their life. Our freshman class came together, and through ice cream, smiles, and laughter, they got to know each other a little more during the Freshman Chill Out after school on Friday. Through these actions, we are working towards ending social isolation and loneliness. Here at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, we start with three simple steps: see someone alone, reach out and help, and Start With Hello.

Braden B. '25 participated in various activities this week as a Start with Hello Week ambassador. He shared, "In the morning when greeting people, I realized that when I said good morning and told them to have a nice day, their facial expressions became happier. I learned that just a simple greeting can positively affect people. I've said good morning and asked people how they are doing more now because I have realized this, and it makes me feel good. From sitting down with Michael at lunch, I was able to understand what his interests are and what he plans to do after high school. Though he seemed to enjoy his book, I decided to sit and talk with him. He seemed eager to talk and was very positive about it. Not only did it make me feel better that I met someone new, but it also seemed to make him feel better because he had a smile at the end of our conversation. Overall, I learned from both of these experiences that just talking to people and being kind can positively impact them for the rest of their day because you never know what someone is going through."